May 29, 2013: New Jersey Mayor Raymond McDonough at a senior luncheon.

Reena Rose Sibayan, AP/The Jersey Journal

New Jersey mayor collapses at Town Hall, dies

Associated Press

February 12, 2014 - 4:20 PM

HARRISON, N.J. — A longtime mayor of a northern New Jersey town has collapsed in his office and died.

Harrison Mayor Raymond McDonough apparently suffered a massive heart attack at Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon shortly after returning from lunch. He was in his mid-60s.

Officials say McDonough was found by an attorney who had an appointment with him.

The lifelong Harrison resident served on the Town Council for 17 years before becoming mayor in 1995. He was credited with spearheading the redevelopment of the town of about 14,000 residents. The town sits on the Passaic River and is home to the New York Red Bulls.

Town Hall was closed for the day following McDonough's death. Its flag was lowered to half-staff.

McDonough was among a number of Democrats statewide who supported Republican Gov. Chris Christie for re-election last year.